Capt Sam Holoviak

Photo of Capt Sam Holoviak

Instructor in Annapolis, Maryland, USA

Rated 5/5 by 2 students

Level V Bareboat Charter Master Rank Chief Sailing Instructor / Assessor

Level V Crew Rank Intern Powerboat Instructor / Assessor

Hello and Welcome aboard! I’m Capt. Sam Holoviak, Military Veteran and avid sailor. I’ve been sailing and racing since 1991 and have owned boats ever since. I’ve logged over 8,500 sea miles on ocean voyages and spent four years as an Offshore Sailing Instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy, training midshipmen in commanding 44-foot sailboats into the Atlantic. I’m also an avid national-level racer, always striving to improve performance and seamanship. My goal is to provide a safe, structured, and enjoyable learning experience that helps every student become a more confident, capable sailor. Welcome to the adventure! For pricing, scheduling, or questions about private on-the-water instruction ($75/hour), Basic Checkouts ($75/hour), SLC on-the-water checkouts ($775), or other sailing and powerboat checkout services, please contact Capt. Sam Holoviak directly. Email: CaptSamHoloviak@gmail.com

Credentials

NauticEd Credentials

  • Level V Bareboat Charter Master Rank Chief Sailing Instructor / Assessor
  • Level V Crew Rank Intern Powerboat Instructor / Assessor
  • American National Standards Instructor/Assessor
  • SLC Instructor/Assessor - Sail

Other Credentials

Lt Col, USAF (Ret.) B-52 Instructor Pilot, Chief of Safety, and Squadron Commander Delta Air Lines Captain with 19,000+ flight hours Avid sailor with 8,500+ ocean miles; avid racer and instructor for dinghies to large catamarans. Former U.S. Naval Academy CSTS Command and Seamanship Training Squadron instructor U.S. Sailing Certified Instructor – Basic Keel boat, Cruising, Bare-boat, Coastal Navigation USCG 25-Ton Master License with Sailing Endorsement

Associated practical schools

Location

Valhalla Sailing Project

We actively invite all Veterans to train with us on several sailboats throughout the year. Mainly J-30s and J-80 for Introduction to sailing, Introduction to weekly racing and weekend regattas and cruises. Welcome Aboard!
Notes: I am also available to travel and assist with skippering anywhere in the USA as well as the BVI or Bahamas.

Training and assessment

International License Training/Assessment

Notes: I have access to several sailboats from J-30, J-80, for small boat training. Also a Tartan 33 for larger sailboat training.

CONTACT WITH QUESTIONS OR TO SCHEDULE TRAINING

As a bonus "thank you", we'll give you two FREE sailing courses and electronic logbook!
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Feedback from previous students

Alan K., USA, VA, Warrenton at 2026, Jul 25
Practical Competence of Bareboat Charter Master Rank
Sam is an excellent instructor. Extremely professional and knowledgeable with great teaching skills. He responded quickly and accurately to all questions about the assessment process and was very helpful and flexible when scheduling the assessment.
Edward S., USA, VA, Chesapeake at 2026, Jul 25
Practical Competence of Bareboat Charter Master Rank
Sam possesses an in depth knowledge of all subject matter necessary to successfully sail safely and efficiently leading to a successful bareboat charter experience. Sam’s’ knowledge is complimented with an ability to clearly explain (and demonstrate) all skills. His teaching approach enhanced my learning experience by tailoring his communication approach most suitable to me. His willingness to provide charter planning tools and his offer to assist in the future speaks volumes about his commitment to make great sailors. Thanks Sam!
Showing last 2 reviews.